Georgia Law Enforcement Officer Wins Prestigious Award

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The National Wild Turkey Federation has named Ranger First Class James McLaughlin of McRae, Ga., its 2011 Georgia Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers of the Year.

The NWTF's Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year awards program honors the nation's top wildlife officers in appreciation for their dedication to conserving wildlife and upholding the law.

As a state NWTF Wildlife Enforcement Officer of the Year, McLaughlin was among 21 state winners who were eligible to win the NWTF's National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award during the NWTF's 35th annual National Convention and Sport Show recently held in Nashville, Tenn.

Cpl. Roger Tate of Arkansas was awarded the 2011 National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award.

The 2011 State Law Enforcement Officers of the Year recognized during the show include:

The NWTF also recognized two wildlife officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, while doing a job that most law-abiding outdoors enthusiasts take for granted.

Last March, USDA Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer Christopher Andy Upton, of Monroe, Ga., was on a routine patrol in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.
Two men were hunting coyotes with a high-powered rifle, equipped with night vision.

The men apparently mistook Officer Upton for game and shot and killed him. He was 37 years old.

In November, Pennsylvania Wildlife Officer David L. Grove was shot and killed on a rural road west of Gettysburg, Pa.

Officer Grove pulled over a pickup truck after suspecting the men inside were poaching. The driver stepped out of the vehicle and shot Officer Grove with a pistol when he tried to cuff him.

The shooter, a convicted felon, later told police he didn't want to go back to jail for illegally carrying a gun. Officer Grove was only 31.

The convention was themed "Our Youth. Our Legacy." to honor the next generation of hunters and conservationists. MidwayUSA was the official convention sponsor.

The NWTF is the leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation in North America. The NWTF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations throughout North America, spending more than $331 million to conserve nearly 16 million acres of habitat. Wild turkeys and hundreds of other species of upland wildlife, including quail, deer, grouse, pheasant and songbirds, benefit from this improved habitat.